(Taking care of our minds).

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The Tale of Little Deer and the River

Once upon a time, in a green forest, lived Little Deer, who loved to play by the river. One day, the river whispered, “I give water to all—trees, animals, and people. But I am growing tired because some forget to care for me.”

Little Deer thought hard. He saw monkeys throwing fruit peels into the water, and birds fighting instead of sharing.

So he gathered his friends: Monkey, Bird, and Turtle.

• Monkey promised to keep the river clean.
• Bird promised to share food instead of fighting.
• Turtle promised to remind everyone to be gentle.

Together, they sang: “Truth, kindness, respect, and care— Dharma is everywhere!”

The river sparkled happily, and the forest grew even more beautiful. Little Deer learned that living by dharma means helping, sharing, and protecting what is good for all.

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Lesson for Children

• Truthfulness: Speak honestly, like Little Deer listening to the river.
• Kindness: Share, like Bird.
• Respect: Care for nature, like Monkey.
• Responsibility: Remind others gently, like Turtle.

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A series of short tales—each focusing on one dharma principle (truth, compassion, respect, balance)—in a way children can enjoy.

Dharma Tales for Children

1. Truthfulness – The Honest Firefly

In a meadow, Firefly loved to glow at night. One evening, the animals asked who had eaten the last berry. Firefly could have hidden, but instead he said, “It was me. I was hungry.” The animals forgave him, because honesty builds trust. Lesson: Telling the truth makes friendships strong.

2. Compassion – The Caring Elephant

Elephant saw a bird with a broken wing. Instead of walking away, Elephant gently carried the bird to a safe tree and asked the monkeys to help.
Lesson: Compassion means helping others when they are weak or hurt.

3. Respect – The Wise Ants

Ants worked together to build their home. One ant wanted to boss everyone around, but the Marshal reminded them: “Every ant matters. Respect each other’s work.”
Lesson: Respect means valuing everyone’s role, big or small.

4. Balance – The Playful Squirrel

Squirrel loved to play all day, but his treehouse was messy. One day, the wind blew his toys away. He learned to balance play with tidying up.
Lesson: Balance means enjoying fun while also caring for duties.

5. Responsibility – The Brave Little Fish

Little Fish promised to guide his friends across the river. Even though he was small, he kept his promise and led them safely.
Lesson: Responsibility means doing what you say you will do.

(to be continued…)